The Newspaper - April Edition 2015

THE NEWSPAPER

stories that are life changing

April 2015

Tel: 021 855 2900

www.thenewspaper.co.za

Free Copy

CAPE TOWN BECOMES NEW SA HOME OF WORLD SEVENS SERIES

ART Page 5

SARU CEO Jurie Roux and City of Cape Town Executive Mayor Patricia de Lille during the announcement of Cape Town Stadium as the new host venue of the South African Sevens. Photo Credit: Ashley Vlotman (Gallo Images)

FOOD Page 7

The South African Rugby Union (SARU) announced that the SA leg of the World Rugby Sevens Series would be moving to Cape Town for four years from December 2015.

The Cape Town Sevens will join a host of new and iconic venues on the Series circuit – which has already added Sydney and Vancouver to its schedule – with the full line-up of host cities and dates to be confirmed by World Rugby (formerly the IRB) in due course. The Cape Town Sevens will be played at the Cape Town Stadium following an agreement between SARU and the City Council. The Western Province Rugby Union was kept informed of the discussions by SARU, and has pledged their support.

“World Rugby wanted global iconic destinations to showcase the new Olympic sport of Rugby Sevens and a world-class stadium, in a world-class city in the shadow of a World Heritage site, Table Mountain provides exactly that,” said Jurie Roux, CEO of SARU. “We enjoyed our stay in George and more recently in Port Elizabeth where we were able to grow the event with the CELEBRATES 100TH BIRTHDAY help of the Municipality and the support Georgina Harwood, one of Cape Town’s most inspiring residents celebrated her of the Eastern Province Rugby Union 100th birthday on 10th March 2015 with her life motto: “Do it now! Whether it’s and Eastern Cape fans and we thank comfortable or uncomfortable, good or bad, relaxing or challenging – don’t delay.” them for that. But as the World Sevens Series has grown – and with it the Georgina expressed that her birthday wish was to go up Table Mountain with her requirements and the expectations – so family for a day and Cape Town Tourism has endeavoured to make this happen, we needed to go to the next level and providing her with other bucket list wishes such as a trip on the City Sightseeing Cape Town allows us to do that.

Bus, a visit to Boulders Beach and Cape Point, and a visit to the Southern African “Cape Town is sports-mad and their Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) to see the penguins. crowds frequently top the attendance Cape Town Tourism joined Georgina Harwood and her family on Table Mountain charts in SA and it is a rugby city. for this very special occasion.

ADVENTUROUS GRANNY

Continue Reading Page 2

Continue Reading Page 2

INNOVATION Page 8

ROOIBOS CIDERTM Page 9

F O R H I M .

F O R

TEL: 021 705 4609 | www.mrlprivatecollection.co.za

H E R .

PAGE 2 OUR INFORMATION Get a Free copy of The Newspaper at PNA stores in the Western Cape Cape Gate, Eikestad, Durbanville, Paarl, Plattekloof, Plumstead, Somerset Mall, Sandown, Sunningdale, Somerset West, Strand, Swellendam

Advertising Would you like to advertise? Send us the advertisement you wish to place to: ads@thenewspaper.co.za

THE NEWS

Adventurous Granny Celebrates 100th Birthday (Continue from page 1) Cape Town Tourism CEO, Enver Duminy, said; “Georgina is a shining example of the ultimate Cape Town ambassador, representing a local that is living her life like a tourist by experiencing all the city has to offer, trying new things, sharing her passion and living life to the full.”

As part of her birthday celebration, the Great Grandmother, made an epic tandem parachute jump on 14 March near Cape Town, in harness with another person.

She was joined in the air by 15 family members and friends who participated in groups of three. Harwood said this was her third skydive. She did her first when she was 92 years old in 2007.

The purpose of Harwood’s jump was to raise awareness and funds for the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI).

Photo Credit: Sky Dive Cape Town

Photo Credit: Kelly Baker - Sharkwatchsa

Georgina has been involved with the sea, the shore and the environment all these years and a loyal and committed supporter of Sea Rescue for many years.

Two days after an epic skydive, Georgina Harwood went shark diving.

Joined by her close family members, including her greatgrandson, she braved the cold waters of Gansbaai to meet the famous great white shark face to face.

Straight after her dive, Marine Dynamics, the company who took her on the shark adventure, made a contribution of R5000 towards her NSRI fundraising project.

So far Georgina, with the help of her friends raised R22 083,30 which will buy 18.4 new life jackets for the NSRI volunteers.

For more information visit Georgina’s activist page on GivenGain

Contact The Newspaper Telephone: 021 855 2900 Email: info@thenewspaper.co.za Ads: ads@thenewspaper.co.za Web: www.thenewspaper.co.za Facebook.com/thenewspapersa Twitter.com/thenewspapersa

Press Council The Newspaper subscribes to the South African Press code that prescribes news that is truthful accurate fair and well balanced.

Should you find The Newspaper is not living up to the Press Code of Conduct you may contact the Press Ombudsman at: Tel: 011 - 484 - 3612/8 Fax: 011 - 484 -3619

THE NEWSPAPER

Cape Town Becomes New SA Home of World Sevens Series (Continue from page 1) The Fan Walk to the stadium and the proximity of entertainment areas such as the V&A Waterfront are an added bonus and will capture and amplify the unique vibe of Sevens Rugby. It also has the added advantage from World Rugby’s perspective of numerous direct international flights and significant hotel capacity, which will ease some of the logistical issues.”

World Rugby Chairman Bernard Lapasset said: "With excitement increasing ahead of Rio 2016, the World Rugby Sevens Series is going from strength to strength, proving a hit with fans, broadcasters and sponsors around the globe with its winning blend of compelling and competitive action, global destinations and festival atmosphere.”

“The South Africa Sevens has been at the heart of the success story and we are delighted to be extending our partnership with SARU as a Series host. We have enjoyed 13 successful years at Port Elizabeth (four) and George (nine) and the move to Cape Town reflects the ever-increasing interest and success of Sevens in South Africa.”

“Cape Town is one of the world’s iconic cities – a major tourism and sporting destination that has proven to be an exceptional and warm host. Its inclusion within a stellar World Rugby Sevens Series schedule is exciting for fans around the world.”

“I am confident that the South Africa Sevens in Cape Town will inspire new audiences and participants and contribute to the continued strong growth of rugby in South Africa and around the world.”

“The confirmation of Cape Town as World Rugby’s preferred destination was completed following SARU’s entering into an arrangement with the City of Cape Town over the use of the Cape Town Stadium as the home of SA Sevens,” said Lapasset.

“We are very excited that, as from December, Cape Town will be hosting the South African leg of the World Sevens Series for the next four years. Sporting events play a major role in our vision of becoming the events capital of Africa,” said the Executive Mayor of Cape Town, Patricia de Lille.

“We are therefore especially honoured to be the new hosts of this event, and I would like to thank the South African Rugby Union (SARU) and World Rugby for giving us this opportunity.”

The Executive Mayor added: “The Cape Town Stadium has become a beacon of inclusivity within our city, and it is only fitting that this iconic venue play host to an event that unites people from across the world through their love of sport. Now, people will be coming to the Cape Town Stadium to share in their love for rugby as well.”

The Blitzboks and 15 other international teams will contest the SA tournament, whose title has been won by South Africa in the past two seasons.

December’s tournament in Port Elizabeth attracted a crowd of 63 000 over the two days of competition with that figure expected to be topped at the 55 000-capacity Cape Town stadium.

South Africa lead the current standings on the World Series with 93 points from New Zealand (88) and Fiji (86).

The next tournament kicks off in Hong Kong.

For more information visit www.sarugby.co.za

THE NEWSPAPER

THE NEWS

PAGE 3

Franschhoek Joins Prestigious Délice Network Franschhoek, regarded as South Africa’s Culinary Capital, has been appointed a member of The Délice Network of Good Food Cities of the World. Délice is an international network of like-minded cities engaged in promoting the benefits of culinary excellence and good food.

Franschhoek aims to make a significant contribution to setting global food trends and breaking new ground in food tourism. Franschhoek is the only member of the Délice Network in the Southern Hemisphere. Criteria for membership include an outstanding gastronomic culture, actions for citizens’ taste education and good food consciousness, the use of gastronomy as a tool for tourism and promotion of the local area’s food diversity. All these elements are what Franschhoek has become famous for, especially through its festivals such as the Franschhoek Bastille Festival, The Franschhoek Cap Classique, Champagne Festival, and Cook Franschhoek.

The Franschhoek Artisan Food Route, in particular, exposes the visitor to a range of the finest olives, cheeses, salmon trout, charcuterie and artisanal breads South Africa has to offer. Internationally acclaimed chefs who include Chef, Margot Janse, Reuben Riffel, as well Neil Jewel, the Charcuterie Guru are based in Franschhoek, adding further acclaim to the area. This year’s San Pellegrino Young Chef 2015 Awards is represented by Franschhoek with Margot Janse serving on the judging panel.

The working sessions and international events of the Délice Network will aid the promotion of The Franschhoek Wine Valley in terms of food tourism by focusing on the 5 main topics of: Destination Marketing, Education and Transmission of knowledge, Local Products, Health and Nutrition and Excellence of Chefs.

“To be associated with other leading international culinary capitals is a great honour,” comments Franschhoek Wine Valley CEO, Jenny Prinsloo. “Home to some of the most celebrated chefs our country has to offer, Franschhoek has earned its title over several years as South Africa’s Culinary Capital.”

Seabird Sanctuary Opens in Gansbaai The African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary (APSS) was opened in Gansbaai recently marking a monumental milestone for the conservation of the African penguin and other marine birds in the Overstrand region of the Western Cape.

Through continued research, education and awareness programmes, the APSS, a project driven by the Dyer Island Conservation Trust (DICT) in conjunction with tourism partners Marine Dynamics and Dyer Island Cruises, aims to mitigate the human impact on marine bird colonies.

Minister of Tourism Derek Hanekom, who spoke at the event and officially opened the centre, said in his speech; “Projects of this nature are about the common good – good for environment, good for the community and good for the country as a whole.”

“The support we received from our partners and affiliates, as well as the donations of materials from various corporates to complete the APSS have been a big vote of confidence in our work through the Dyer Island Conservation Trust,” said Wilfred Chivell, founder of DICT and APSS. “We are grateful to have sponsors and partners who recognise the importance of this facility in the conservation of our marine birds.

We are the voice of these species that cannot speak for themselves.”

A custom designed, world-class, marine bird rehabilitation centre, the APSS will provide temporary rehabilitative care to diseased, displaced, injured, oiled and abandoned marine birds, with a special focus on the endangered African penguin.

Marine bird rescue, rehabilitation and release form part of the management plan to conserve and maintain African penguins and other marine bird populations along the South African coastline.

Featuring a unique rehabilitation area with a specialised floor, laboratory and clinic, the APSS rehabilitation techniques will be honed to afford birds individual treatment with minimum stress. This maximises their rehabilitation and affords them the best chance of survival when released back into the wild.

Among the guests attending the launch were the Overstrand Mayor, Nicolette Botha-Guthrie, and representatives from corporate sponsors Volkswagen South Africa and Grindrod Bank.

OPEN FOR LUNCH NO LOAD SHEDDING We have a Generator!

CNR LOURENSFORD & MAIN ROAD SOMERSET WEST TEL (021) 852 6442 FAX (021) 851 0605 CELL 082 453 0435 LGNORTON@TISCALI.CO.ZA MON - SAT 12:00 - Till Late

PAGE 4

THE NEWS

Kirstenbosch Scoops International Garden Tourism Award Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden came out tops in the recently announced 2015 International Garden Tourism Awards presented by the International Garden Tourism Network (IGTN) in Toronto, Canada.

Scooping the Garden of the Year Award has once more underlined the important role that Kirstenbosch plays in contributing to the country’s tourism figures and, having hit the one million visitors in a year in 2014, this award is a further boost for potential visitors. It is well known that Kirstenbosch is high on the list of ‘must visit’ attractions for both local and international tourists and curator Philip le Roux was delighted to receive this news.

“We strive to offer visitors a unique experience at Kirstenbosch. As the flagship garden of the South African National Biodiversity institute (SANBI) we are proud to be recognised at these prestigious awards. Our garden offers many unusual experiences and showcases the diverse Cape Floral kingdom in a very accessible way. The addition of the Centenary Tree Canopy Walkway has added to the attractions of the garden and, more recently, Minister of Tourism Derek Hanekom acknowledged that Kirstenbosch is one of the country’s most important tourist attractions. We are also very proud to announce that we exceeded one million visitors in one year for the first time in the Gardens history in 2014. This represented an increase of 27% on the previous year.”

With tourism the world’s fourth largest industry and garden tourism a significant part of it, the Awards were inaugurated in 2011 and Garden Tourism Awards are presented annually to organizations and individuals who have distinguished themselves in the development and promotion of the garden experience as a tourism attraction. “It is estimated that there are 250 million garden tourists worldwide and significantly more if garden festivals, events and garden shows were included.

Canada has been a leader in the development and promotion of garden tourism and these awards highlight the world’s most dynamic garden experiences and Garden Tourism’s limitless potential,” says Dr Richard Benfield, author of ‘Garden Tourism’, and Chair of the IGTN. In consultation with a global jury network, nine awards were announced by the IGTN, and garden tourism related events from Japan, UK , Thailand, Brussels, British Columbia, Dubai, Netherlands, USA as well as South Africa were honoured.

THE NEWSPAPER

Blind Left In The Dark The Institute for the Blind could soon face closure, which could result in the 530 blind and disabled people housed at the Institute’s facilities literally living on the streets, if substantial financial help doesn’t come soon to help with annual costs of over R51-million a year.

The Institute only receives 15% of its funding from the State and the Institute’s fund-raising department is solely responsible for raising the balance of 85% of the total costs.

This is according to Freddie Botha, Executive Head of the Institute for the Blind, who says that the sudden unexpected loss of a subsidy from the Department of Labour, which the Institute has been receiving for the last 20 years of the new dispensation and many years before that, is a big blow to the Institute, which was established in 1881 to empower persons who are blind, partially sighted or deaf-blind, including visually impaired persons with additional disabilities; by means of offering education, training, development and care towards a fulfilled life.

The Institute also subsidizes the Pioneer School for the Blind which serves the needs of blind, partially sighted and deaf-blind learners as well as learners with multiple disabilities from pre-school, primary and secondary levels with specialized education needs not catered for by mainstream academic institutions.

“Support from the State for this very specialised education has been totally insufficient,” says global adventurer and motivational speaker Hein Wagner, who attended the Pioneer School for the Blind from the age of five, and is the Blind Institute’s newly appointed brand ambassador. Wagner made history last year as the first blind person to participate in the treacherous Antarctica marathon and help with raising the

much needed funds.

“After a fierce struggle the Institute has received only a share of the subsidy and has to submit a new application of funding to the Department of Labour, with no guarantee that the Institute will receive any funding in future,” he explains. He adds that the securing of funding from the State for the Institute’s tertiary training unit have also been unsuccessful.

Wagner says that the Institute is now reaching out to various international aid organisations for help in an effort to avoid closure.

Hein Wagner

Wagner continues that there are many remarkable individuals that have been schooled and housed at the Institute over the years who are living proof that despite challenges, with the right help anything is possible. “However, the bottom line is that there is no hope without help,” he adds.

As deaf-blind political activist/prolific author Helen Keller remarked: “The chief handicap of the blind is not blindness, but the attitude of seeing people towards them.”

For more information visit www.blind-institute.org.za

Radio Helderberg Wheel Alignment Shocks Exhausts Ball Joints

CV Joints

UNBEATABLE PRICES

Is doing something right!

Birdstreet 182 Stellenbosch Tel: 021 887 3115 After Hours: 079 888 6088

SPECIALS !

The latest statistics on Radio Audience Measurement Survey (RAMS) has indicated that Radio Helderberg 93.6 FM has grown in listeners from 53 000 to 64 000 in only a few months!

These promising numbers reflect a clear sign that Radio Helderberg 93.6 FM is doing something acceptable to the ears of their listeners. The growth in listeners can only inspire them to reach ever higher and hopefully, within the foreseeable future reach that magical 100 000 listener mark.

ON EXHAUSTS & SHOCKS FREE SHOCKS TEST

Wheel alignment with the latest technology

3 + 2 YEAR GUARANTEE ON GABRIEL SHOCKS

Instant CV boot replacement with the latest machinery at lowest prices REPAIRS & REPLACEMENTS Suspension Brakes CV Joints Exhausts

KNOCK OUT TYRE SALE!!!

Towbars Shocks Wipers Lights

PROF ESSI ONAL SERV I CE CALL U S W E COLL EC T & DEL IV ER

GET A QUOTATION TODAY No hidden costs on quotations Prices include VAT

Arrive alive with Kilotreads.

Get a FREE Road safety test before you travel.

Limited Stock on Specials T&C’s Apply

The success of a great Community Radio Station is not just to focus on what the listener may hear, but rather, ensure that the Radio Station takes note of the listener’s preferences.

Radio Helderberg 93.6 FM invites their listeners to freely communicate with them through Facebook, Tweets, SMS’s, Google, or even pay them a friendly visit at the Radio Station at Helderberg Business Park. They believe that through the listener’s direct participation they may reach their 100 000 listener goal. Be proud Helderberg, this is your station, and they are growing by the day.

THE NEWSPAPER

ART

PAGE 5

The Art of Fish Sculpture Chris Bladen, producing art of distinction, may be regarded as one of the most experienced artist in the field of wild fish sculpture in the world. From a remote studio in the quaint little fishing village of Kalk Bay, situated in the southern suburbs of Cape Town, Chris lives his dream.

“They have a certain lightness and freedom surrounding them - often gliding for vast distances only to touch the crest of a wave to continue gliding into infinity,” says Chris. It is this ‘freedom’ that Bladen tries to capture with this series of Flying Fish sculptures.

As a youngster, Bladen grew up in Pretoria in a sculptural environment where his father not only used to supply trainee stone carvers with stone, tools and machinery, but also would teach these students the finer art of stone carving for the tourist industry.

Billfish to Bladen, are the dancers of the ocean, especially Sailfish with their beautiful sails and extraordinary colours - almost as if they have a built in electrical light switch.

With every emotion, be it in breeding season, hunting or simply cruising along, they constantly change colour. Apart from having beautiful sculptural lines, it is these striking electrical colours ranging from hues of viridian and bronze to almost purple, blue and black that really fascinates Chris. In a way, his bronzes have become his canvas, where he uses his knowledge and years of experience to patinate the surface of the metal with chemicals that react to the copper in the bronze.

It is evident in his art, very seldom are two pieces from the same limited edition ever the same.

During this time, his father’s business absolutely fascinated him. With all the tools and material at hand, Chris spent many hours creating his own sculptures, and by the age of 15, he had sold his first sculpture.

In his late teens, Bladen moved to the Cape, where his love affair with the ocean began. Together with his great passion for nature, being creative, and fly fishing, his desire to create fish sculptures became even stronger.

“This is not the easiest portfolio of sculpture considering that fish live in water, a medium which generally severs the natural way of depicting the beauty of underwater life from creating art in the ordinary,” says Chris.

On his travels around the world, Bladen often places himself in the water among the fish and follows their every move as an understudy in perfecting the art in producing these sculptures. The free movements of these fish species are noted.

Not only is it that he gets bored by doing them exactly the same, but also, these chemicals seem to react differently to the bronze from one day to another - perhaps a lot to do with his artistic mood of the day Chris says, “I have quite a lot of fun and frustration trying to reproduce these colours.”

Over the last couple of years, Bladen has been focusing more of his efforts on creating bird sculptures.

With his constant urge to grow and challenge himself, these ornithological sculptures have allowed him a greater sense of freedom of expression, from being very tight and precise, to working in a more spontaneous way during the modelling process. The results being more direct, looser, slightly abstract and textured, but at the same time, keeping true to a chosen specie by having certain elements of the specific specie highly detailed. The challenge is to capture a moment in nature without overworking a piece.

Apart from his fish and bird sculptures he is also working on a series of horse studies where he is exploring a looser style of sculpting. This style will be more evident in future works.

Chris hopes to inspire an appreciation of the beauty of our often overlooked and overexploited marine life as well as a desire to respect and conserve.

Bladen’s sculptures have been acquired by collectors across the globe.

The underwater camera captures the necessary footage for later research and reference for his drawings and designs in his studio. These studies form the basis from which his sculptural process begins. During this process he strives to capture the essence of each species, the nuances of their movement and subtleties of their outline bringing them to life in bronze.

He is a remarkable artist, and his unique techniques through sketches, modelling, casting, right through to the application of chemical patination is a characteristic of a master in the field.

Well done Chris! You make us proud, and your product is truly South African.

These intense studies are the only way Chris visualizes himself free to create the movement in the fish sculpture that blows you off your feet.

During his studies of fish he developed a particular fascination and fondness for Flying Fish. He spent many days on boats in the open ocean studying these awe-inspiring creatures fluttering between waves, living in the half world that exists between sea and sky.

For more information contact Chris Bladen on 073 158 7355 or email info@chrisbladen.com visit www.chrisbladen.com

PAGE 6

THE NEWSPAPER

FOOD

THE RESTAURANT @ CLOS MALVERNE Shrouded in the summer mists of the Devon valley near Stellenbosch, lies the family owned and operated wine farm of Clos Malverne - They have been producing premium quality wines for 30 years and were once dubbed the smallest red wine producer in the Cape.

Sharing the property with the winery, the Restaurant @ Clos Malverne provides a relaxing ambience and a panoramic view of the valley.

The Restaurant, since it opened its doors for the first time in 2009, has developed a devoted following for its fresh, seasonal and easy, contemporary cuisine prepared

by Executive Chef Nadia Louw Smith and her team of expert chefs supported by a friendly front of house staff.

Nadia, who describes her own cuisine as ‘world food with an earthy sophistication, cooked from the heart and presented with perfection’ eschews the elaborate and creates sumptuous, yet unpretentious food, simple in structure yet complex in flavour, texture and colour. She harvests most of her fresh greens from her own organic vegetable and herb garden on the wine estate.

“We have all the right ingredients including award-winning wines, a diverse, worldinspired menu and priceless views, to get your groove back for the week that lies ahead,” shares Nadia who describes her style as fuss-free outer-city dining.

A choice of two menus are made available, the A la Carte menu and a Food and wine pairing with Clos Malverne wines.

CONSTANTIA

FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL

From the A la Carte menu the Tempura Prawns starter, served with a cucumber and mango salsa and a hot sweet chilli sauce is a favourite, while the Salmon Gravlax served with pea shoots, avocado, wasabi mayo and red pepper coulis are paired with Clos Malverne Sauvignon Blanc.

The main menu has a fine selection of meat and fish dishes, and for the vegetarians the Grilled exotic mushrooms with seasonal vegetables, parmesan potato croquette and asparagus sauce with a hint of truffle is a must.

The Prawn and line fish in a saffron cream sauce with lime, coconut coriander and a hint of chilli served with savoury rice is an excellent selection, that is, if you are a fish lover. The Grilled Fillet Steak with seasonal vegetables, parmesan potato croquette, a bonemarrow jus and a hint of truffle goes perfectly with a glass of Clos Malverne Auret – a stunning combination!

The Caramel and mango fridge cheesecake on the dessert menu, served with honeycomb is mouthwatering.

The delicious Dark Chocolate Crème brûlée with seasonal berries and cardamom cream paired with Clos Malverne Pinotage Reserve will conclude your Clos Malverne eating experience.

An ice-cream pairing with Clos Malverne Wines is also available to patrons.

Clos Malverne invites guests to come and enjoy a languid afternoon on their wraparound balcony, where guests become one with nature and its prized vineyards.

For more information contact 021 865 2022 or visit www.closmalverne.co.za

BOT RIVER BARRELS & BEARDS

Experience the magic of the Constantia Valley at The Constantia Food and Wine Festival from 17-19 April at Constantia Uitsig Wine Estate Cricket Oval.

Delight in a weekend filled with bold wines, raging beards and genuine hospitality when the wine community of Bot River in the Overberg celebrates their harvest with a trio of unique events, culminating with their signature Barrels & Beards showdown on Saturday, 18 April 2015.

Constantia Food and Wine Festival will be showcasing over 40 of the finest wines and delicious food from our award winning restaurants.

Your expedition into the laager of this winemaking clan kicks off with a laid-back, sunset session on the ‘stoep’ of the legendary Bot River Hotel on Friday evening, 17 April. One can ease into the weekend a la Bot River style and mingle with the locals over a few beers, so be sure to grab a seat next to one to find out what makes Bot River tick. Saturday morning, 18 April, tempts the more serious winos and cellar buffs to attend a Best of Bot River Tasting at Luddite Wines. During this enlightening tasting, a selection of terroir-driven Bot River wines will be ‘blind tasted’ against international wines of the highest standards ranging from rare Rhône vintages to New World gems.

Visitors to the Festival will be treated to multi-layered culinary delights, local wines, and live entertainment to showcase Constantia as one of the world’s premier food and wine destinations.

A fun-filled weekend concludes with the ever-popular Bot River Barrels & Beards post-harvest celebration when the winemakers’ self-imposed shaving ban (which starts on 1 February and lasts throughout the entire harvesting period) ends on a high and hairy note at the family-run Beaumont Estate on Saturday evening, 18 April.

An open air kids play area with activities for children will be available.

Come along and awaken those senses to the finest food and wine that the Constantia Valley has to offer.

For more information visit www.constantiafoodandwine.co.za

SA CHEESE FESTIVAL When the versatility of cheese and innovative ideas are paired, you are guaranteed an extraordinary experience that will keep your taste buds tingling!

The increasingly popular SA Cheese Festival offers the widest variety of cheese, exciting new products, cooking demonstrations, live entertainment, famous personalities and hours of fun for the whole family.

Spoil yourself with a ticket to this event and invite friends and family to join you for a day of ultimate enjoyment on Sandringham, the home of the SA Cheese Festival. Tickets are available at any Computicket. No tickets will be sold at the gates.

Sandringham is conveniently located next to the N1, exit 39, between Cape Town and Paarl.

For more information visit www.cheesefestival.co.za

A new addition to this year’s hairy hullabaloo will be the launch of an exclusive Bot River Auction Reserve 2013 wine, which will be auctioned off on the evening.

Besides a chance to get your piece of this Limited Release action, the Bot River Barrels & Beards 2015 party includes complimentary barrel tastings of the latest wines, a hearty farm-to-fork dinner and music entertainment led by a lively marimba band.

Cellars to take part in the Bot River weekend include the likes of Barton, Beaumont Wines, Benguela Cove, Eerstehoop, Feiteiras, Gabriëlskloof, Genevieve MCC, Goedvertrouw, Luddite, Maremanna, Rivendell and Wildekrans.

For more information contact Nicolene Finlayson at 082 852 6547

THE NEWSPAPER

FOOD

PAGE 7

TANQUA KAROO NATURAL PRODUCE Natural Produce Fritz was inspired to source produce in and around the Tanqua Karoo area, linking the farmer to the market, cutting out lengthy supply chains and distribution systems that guarantee freshly hand delivered produce directly from the farm to the market or store.

TKNP choose to practise and support farmers who produce according to the farming principles of biodiversity working with diverse plant species and encouraging varied specie interaction to generate and rebuild ecosystems.

As terroir is to wine, so the wild free natural environment of the Tanqua Karoo, unconditioned by agricultural domination, is to the produce of the Tanqua Karoo.

Tanqua Karoo Natural Produce (TKNP) cultivates and locally sources an abundance of seasonal, natural, fresh fruit and vegetables grown in the Tanqua Karoo region according to natural systems of nature and principles of biodiversity.

Fritz Rabe was born into the Constantia valley on a small holding where the family had their own fruit and vegetable gardens that laid the foundation for TKNP. After completing school he studied Agriculture at Grootfontein Agricultural College, Middelburg in the Eastern Cape. In 1970 Fritz’s father bought a Tanqua Karoo farm. After graduating he started a landscaping company, and travelled extensively to obtain experience in the field of landscaping and farming with a holistic approach.

To him the principles of farming and landscaping stays the same - dealing with one thing only – the earth and Mother Nature, which can never be separated.

Where is the Tanqua Karoo?

TKNP is driven by their deep, long standing and intense love of the silent and mysterious Tanqua Karoo – where horizons dictate their daily activities – where sunrise and sunsets, moonrise and moonsets, all play an integral part in giving life to this rich biosphere and intriguing ecosystem.

This healthy ecosystem, with its longterm enrichment and productivity of the land is more important than producing food on demand and the manipulation of natural cycles to do so.

For decades the Tanqua Karoo is known as an area where few people travel, but where Mother Nature offers so much. ‘Tanqua’, is an old Bushman term for the area which was previously known as Ceres Karoo, meaning, very ‘dry’ land’. The Bushmen lived in this valley with relics on farms as evidence of people being there before any settlers arrived in this country, with most of its history overlooked – ‘The forgotten farmers of South Africa’.

Tanqua Karoo is a pollution free area where the Ongeluks and Doring Rivers flow freely, with open fields, where natural farming is implemented with no insecticides, sprays or chemical fertilizers - the perfect environment for natural Karoo produce to grow.

The TKNP guideline for growing fresh foods is observing nature in the Tanqua area, fitting into the cycles of nature rather than working against it.

“Work with the land rather than on it. The farmer should bring as little as possible through his farm gate as this lessens the value of his product. The product must stay true to itself,” says Fritz.

Vegetables and fruit are still hand sown, hand selected and even hand harvested. The products are also prepared the old fashioned way, hand finished, hand bottled the traditional way with no chemicals added, and hand labelled.

The TKNP range of fresh, honest produce include dates, nuts, figs, prickly pears, lemons, oranges, quinces, citrus, kale, swiss chard, beetroot, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, pomegranates and many more.

From fresh products, juice, jams, preserves, silan, prickly pears peel sweets, aloe sweets, and quince nibbles, are produced preservative-free in The Tanqua Kombuis where these recipes are created, depending on what nature has to serve.

Among the products they offer are the Cancerbush tea, Cancerbush flower tea, and the Sceletium tonic - a mood enhancer. In the olden days these plants were much-respected and long-used as medicinal plants.

TKNP is a product of this system, and the food they sell is a result of a far more important chain of natural systems, natural forces, plants, animals and terrain.

The Tanqua Karoo is where the purity of air and soil, the happiness of bees and donkeys, and the sound of rain falling on the dusty hard earth matters, while the slow movement of the dung-beetle as it scrabbles over the thornbush anticipating that there will be more rain at sunset. What is really significant is the silent power of nature untamed and suspended in the space between mountains and rivers, bees and scorpions, the space and the time between these elements taking place.

TKNP is presently the producer of small batches of farm-made foods and lists over 190 products, all sourced from the Tanqua Karoo, made in the Tanqua, by the Tanqua people, on Tanqua farms, using Tanqua water.

Vision Aligned to the Health awareness program of the 21st century, TKNP intends to go sugar free on all their products; if need be, they will replace processed sugars with natural silan and date extract or honey. They strive to improve their products every year. The most exciting project is the “Mesquite” flour sourced from the part of a thorn tree which, as an invader, grows in the area, providing pods that can be processed into flour.

The Tanqua Karoo is a very specific area on Route 355 stretching 257km from Ceres in the south to Calvinia in the north – with an arid plain framed in the west by the Cederberg, in the east by the Roggeveld Mountains, and in the south, by the Koedoesberg.

Another big project in the pipeline will be the donkey milk diary.

Donkey milk has wonderful properties and is said to cure TB. Donkey milk cheese is also on the cards. Thereby the donkey’s lost shine will be regained.

Market and Consumer TKNP engage in fresh markets and share information with their customers on a one on one basis on all their products. They have a niche market and supply selected supermarkets and farm stalls.

TKNP understand the rapidly growing levels of consumer scrutiny into the backstory of the foods they eat, and the surging demand for food that is produced naturally by the forces of nature, food produced in nature’s own time and in its own place.

For more information contact Fritz Rabe email: farmmade@tknp.co.za or call 082 882 9083

PAGE 8

INNOVATION

THE NEWSPAPER

ROOIBOS - THE RED REVOLUTION

The ‘Red Revolution’ is the brainchild of Audacia’s Trevor Strydom, who was looking for a means to differentiate his brand in an over-saturated wine market. A cup of rooibos after a hard day in the cellar proved his “Eureka Moment.”

Trevor and winemaker Michael Van Niekerk began experimenting with using Rooibos and Honeybush wood in Audacia’s red wines, and were delighted with the results. Due to Rooibos and Honeybush woods being high in antioxidants, it helps preserve wine, beer and cider naturally. This makes the use of allergy-inducing sulphur, and other common preservatives, less necessary.

Trevor Strydom observes that the addition of Rooibos and Honeybush woods in both a natural and toasted format improves and enhances the aroma, taste and mouth-feel of wine, beer and cider. Rooibos and Honeybush wood lend some enticing flavours to your favourite tipple. Look out for berries, spices and Turkish delight in wine, and honeyed and floral notes in the beer and cider. No wonder consumer’s feedback on products created according to these patented processes have been overwhelmingly positive.

The wine is completely free of any added chemical preservatives. It is distributed nationally by Cool Wines and is available at selected Pick n Pay stores countrywide.

Jeff Gradwell of KWV says that they are currently in the final stages of releasing their own brand of wine under this technology.

Craft brewery, Stellenbrau is fast developing an international reputation for producing beers of globally competitive quality. After recently scooping top honours at an international contest in Berlin, Stellenbrau is set to once again make headlines – this time for producing the world’s first commercially available beer made with indigenous Rooibos and Honeybush.

The launch of Governor’s Red Lager follows Stellenbrau’s Craven Craft Lager which was awarded a gold medal by a panel of 34 international judges at the Global Craft Beer Awards held in July 2014 in Berlin.

“We have three chief aims,” Strydom explains. “Firstly we are working towards removing unnecessary amounts of synthetic preservatives usually added to alcoholic beverages.

The use of sulphur and other synthetic preservatives to extend shelf life is what most producers do, but scientific research conducted in conjunction with a team from the department of Viticulture and Oenology at Stellenbosch University and ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij indicates that powerful antioxidants found in these indigenous plant materials may assist in preserving wine, beer and cider naturally.

While tests are ongoing, this could potentially mean an entire new way of making wine and other beverages, and is particularly significant news for both organic wine makers – most of whom currently add sulphites to their wines before bottling – as well as those who suffer from sulphur allergies, a relatively common condition.”

The first products, the Audacia Merlot 2013, the KWV Earth’s Essence Pinotage 2014, the Stellenbrau’s Governor’s Red Lager, and the premium Windermere Rooibos Wooded Apple Cider was launched last year and the results were overwhelming, with two red wines, a Stellenbosch craft beer and Elgin cider available for quaffing.

The beer was chosen as ‘top of the hops’ and voted best lager over numerous other finalists in the category at the prestigious international event which sees established artisanal brewers from across the globe convening to rate, review and reward the craft industry’s finest offerings.

Over 40 global craft breweries entered their beers into the competition and taking home the laurels amongst such worthy contenders is something the Stellenbrau team describe as “the biggest sign to date that we are doing things right.”

The Stellenbrau Governor’s Red Lager is infused with Rooibos and Honeybush leaves, and not tea, from the beginning of the brewing process so that a complex flavour develops throughout maturation.

The flavour development takes place as the beer is exposed to the indigenous plant material - a very sophisticated process. The Governor’s Red is a deep golden lager with a traditional malty character with subtle honey-like scents and earthy, floral notes.

Tamsin Mullins, Managing Director of Windermere Cider is excited to launch the two newest additions to the awardwining house, namely Rooibos-wooded apple cider and Perry.

“Since reopening in 2012 we have had immense public support, but the same public has always wanted more.”

Audacia Wines released the world’s first-ever wine made using Rooibos and Honeybush woods with no Sulphites or Preservatives added. The Merlot 2013 made by award winning Audacia winemaker, Michael van Niekerk was recently awarded a Veritas 2014 bronze medal.

“I constantly get asked: what else do you have? We didn’t want to just add new flavours because anyone can do that, we wanted to be unique. Trevor Strydom, owner of Audacia Wines, approached us with an insane idea in 2014, he tried to convince us to put Rooibos in our cider. Lucky for him, we’re as mad and passionate as he is.” Windermere Cider produced 10,000L of Rooibos cider during 2014, with no added sulphates, nor added preservatives.

Mullins went on saying, “It’s so delicious we’re making an additional 20,000L in 2015, just to keep up with the demand.”

THE NEWSPAPER

ROOIBOS CIDER™

PAGE 9

The first “Rooibos-Wooded” Cider by Windermere Estate The idea of making craft cider began way back in 1994, when Andre Le Roux and Mark Standford brought bitter-sweet apples from Europe to South Africa. Four years later they started experiments and in 1998, as the trees finally produced sustainable fruit, the first Craft Cider in South Africa was produced in the Elgin Valley, and Windermere Cider was established.

New Rooibos Cider launched Tamsin is excited to launch the two newest additions to the award-wining Windermere Cider range, namely the Rooibos-wooded apple cider and Perry.

“Since re-opening in 2012 we have had immense public support, but, the same public has always called back for more.”

“I constantly get asked: what else do you have?” she said. “Windermere has no desire in adding new flavours since anyone can do that.” Also saying that Windermere’s claim to fame is the creation of a unique product.

Trevor Strydom, owner of Audacia Wines, approached Tamsin with an insane idea in 2014, and tried to convince Windermere Cider to remove sulphur and replace it with Rooibos.

“Lucky for him, we’re as mad and passionate as he is,” Tamsin responded.

As the South African Market at that time was not receptive to craft cider, the production was limited to smaller quantities, and private consumption amounts.

Since re-launching the Windermere Cider brand in 2012, the craft cider has won first prize at the SA on Tap 2013 Award held in Durban. Windermere Craft Cider also received third prize at the World of Beer Championships in 2014 hosted by SAB, as well as taking the prestigious Silver Medal in the Australian Craft Cider Wood, among two hundred entries from around the globe.

The family operated business, Windermere Cider, is located between the apple orchards on the Windermere Estate in Elgin, Western Cape, managed by three partners - Tamsin Mullins, the Managing Director, her farther-in-law, Mark Stanford, and her father Richard Stephens.

The perfect triangular-partnership for the re-launch of the Windermere Cider was established when Tamsin, a UCT graduate, with her knowledge in the wine industry and her extended data base, her father-in-law, owner of the Windermere estate, and her father, with years of experience in the Beer Industry, joined forces.

The paradigm shift came about when Windermere Cider removed large quantities of sulphur and replaced it with large quantities of Rooibos and Honeybush chips, changing the oxidation process unto a process of adding antioxidants to the cider, thereby making the cider a healthier drink, pleasant on the nose, with a wonderful taste. A Rooibos and Honeybush wooded cider is exactly what Windermere has achieved.

For the production of ciders Windermere use 10,000 litre tanks to control any form of bacteria, especially patelina which can adversely affect the quality of their cider. The application of the Rooibos and Honeybush chips to their product creates a natural process of preserving.

Once the juice has gone through the second phase of fermentation it preserves itself naturally.

Windermere cider produced 10,000L of Rooibos cider during 2014, with no added sulphites, nor preservatives. Mullins went on saying, “It’s so delicious, and we are making an additional 20,000L in 2015, just to keep up with the demand.”

Why Rooibos?

The reason craft cider has developed so successfully over the years, is because customers are looking for something premium, something new, and low in Kilojoules.

A Cider with Rooibos blends into a healthier way of living, and, as a product without sulphur, it is a cider with a higher antioxidant potential.

Rooibos is that product now incorporated into the making of Windermere Cider.

The shelf life of their first ciders was only 6 months. Today, the use of Rooibos and Honeybush has added an extended shelf life of up to two years to their cider products.

Markets

The Windermere Estate is a 60ha apple farm of which only 40ha produces well in excess of 4000 bins of Grade A export apples annually. It is from these apples that Tamsin pre-selects the various varieties for the making of Windermere Cider. Some varieties have a higher acidity, some suitable for juice, some good for colour and some are excellent for sweetness.

The Granny Smith apple variety is very high in acidity, while the Pink Lady has a much sweeter juice, therefore they accurately balance the quantities of the different apples in order to produce acceptable cider.

The manner in which Windermere Cider produces their cider is to mimic the values of their business, which is to operate on absolute ethical values. Windermere Cider produces cider of 100% pure apples, juiced with no other juice added, nor any added concentrate, neither any water added – pressed apples in its natural form.

An average of 8.2 apples are required to produce a 340ml bottle of cider.

Export apples are harvested during the months from March to May and are stored, as close as possible to nature for a short period of time, before the production of cider commences. Normally, the juice is pressed during May and June, where after it is placed in French oak. Once pressed, sulphites is added for oxidation, followed by organic enzymes.

The function of the enzymes is to detach the juice from the skins and allow for greater juice yield.

Windermere’s primary markets are Cape Town and Johannesburg, and, they are currently also expanding into Kwa Zulu Natal and Port Elizabeth.

Cider is a very seasonal drink – a great drink in summer, yet, not so much a drink in the winter months.

Windermere Cider has therefore set its focus on Kwa Zulu Natal – a continuation of the summer climate.

Currently Windermere Cider also exports their cider to Australia. Japan, the biggest importer of Rooibos worldwide, has presently also caught on to the Rooibos and Honeybush antioxidant cider.

Windermere Cider is today the proud effort of the farm owner Mark Stanford, the cider expert Andre Le Roux, Tamsin Mullins, the Managing Director of the Company, supported by Richard Stephens’ knowledge of the Beer Industry.

Cheers to the red revolution, cheers to no sulphur nor preservatives in drinks, cheers to longer shelf life, cheers South Africa!

For more information contact 083 722 1099 or e-mail tamsin@windermerecider.co.za or visit www.windermerecider.co.za

PAGE 10

THE NEWSPAPER

BUSINESS

The Ever Needed AgriBusiness Approach to Farming in SA Farmers producing at commercially viable levels are inevitably confronted with the need to make decisions about expanding beyond the farm gate into the rest of the agricultural value chain.

The Standard Bank Head of Agribusiness, Mr. Nico Groenewald recently hosted a seminar on major strategic themes for the Agribusiness sector at Stellenbosch.

The Guest Speakers at the seminar were, Dr Roelof Botha who shared his thoughts on “Would AgriBusiness be the golden goose in these turbulent times”; Victor Kgomoeswana who discussed “Opportunities across the African Continent for AgriBusiness”; Prof. Johan van Rooyen who elaborated on “AgriBusiness Value Chain Optimization”; Mr Anton Rabe who enlightened guests on the “Value Chain Optimization in the Fruit Industry”; and Marina Purnell speaking on the road forward with regard to “Value Chain in the Grain Industry.”

Integration along the value chain is one way of increasing both revenue and profit, and it can help spread the risk. The farmer can integrate in the up and downstream activities of the value chain. Former Co-ops have realized the benefit and have become fully fledged Agribusinesses passing back to their members the financial benefits of being involved in product storage, distribution, and processing.”

sustainability, along with local issues such as land reform and industry transformation, is making collaboration imperative.

Farmers are to take stock of the financial input required to break into the value chain. Setting up companies or corporate structures can be costly.

If processing or storage facilities need to be built, capital will be required, not excluding the importance of acquiring

specialist capabilities, such as those in marketing or exporting.

“Primary production is a longterm activity, calling for substantial investment of financial, human, and technology resources, both upfront and during production cycles. Compared to most other industries, the return on such investment is relatively low, when considered as margins or profit,” says Nico Groenewald.

It is important for the Farmer to understand that participating in the value chain becomes a corporate activity that requires collaboration with other directors and shareholders, working towards consensus on strategy, and allowing others to manage day to day farming operations.

Collaboration is a pre-condition for growth, whatever the industry.

Unfortunately, agriculture had not been structured for collaboration until very recently. Global issues such as food security and environmental

Die Toekoms Van Besigheid in Suid-Afrika Die toekoms van besigheid in Suid-Afrika is ʼn besprekingspunt wat wye reaksie ontlok. Word daar gekyk na wetgewing wat al hoe meer regulerend raak, die wisselkoers, belastings en ʼn verhoogde brandstofprys, om nie eens van arbeid te praat nie, is dit verstaanbaar dat sentiment oor hierdie onderwerp maklik negatief kan draai.

Word daar verder gekyk na die getal klein- en mediumbesighede wat elke jaar misluk (5 uit 7), die persepsie van beperkte finansieringsgeleenthede asook SEB, word Suid-Afrika dikwels gesien as ʼn land waar onstabiliteit al hoe minder belegging regverdig.

Die verswakking van die rand, die afgradering van kredietstatus deur kredietgraderingsagentskappe en belangrike beleggings wat nou elders gaan, dien reeds as bewys hiervan.

metaangasopwekkers), privaat vullisverwyderingsdienste en die groeiende mark vir verskillende waterfiltreerstelsels vir die huis of grootmaatverkope van gebottelde of gesuiwerde water.

Die uitdaging wat entrepreneurs in die huidige omstandighede wel in die gesig staar, is om ʼn kopskuif of paradigmaskuif te maak oor die omgewing en manier waarop hulle besigheid doen. Suid-Afrika is ʼn land waar geld steeds volop is, en waar dit selfs nog makliker gespandeer word as wat dit die geval was in die jare 80’s en 90’s van die vorige eeu! Die vraag is net hoe om hierdie mark reg te teiken en om daaruit geld te maak.

Dit is juis met hierdie ingesteldheid wat Akademia en vennote vir die derde keer die jaarlikse nasionale Akademia Sakeplankompetisie op 31 Maart loods. Die geleentheid is ʼn sake-ontbyt met Jannie Durand, die uitvoerende hoofbeampte van die Remgro Groep.

Die tema van die oggend is: Hoop vir die toekoms van besigheid in Suid-Afrika.

Soos die tema aandui, sal Jannie die oggend sy perspektiewe met die gehoor deel oor die geleenthede wat daar vir klein- en mediumsakelui in Suid-Afrika bestaan om winsgewend te kan floreer.

Die vraag wat nou gevra word, is waar dit die klein- en mediumsakelui laat. Is dit die teken om maar op te pak en jou heil oorsee te gaan soek, dalk af te skaal of om jou in ʼn ander bedryf te begeef? Die antwoord hierop is egter meer verrassend positief as wat ’n mens sou verwag.

Iets om nooit uit gedagte te verloor nie, is dat waar ook al ʼn staat in sy taak faal om sekere van sy mandate na te kom, dit beteken dat daar geleenthede vir entrepreneurs oopgaan. Voorbeelde hiervan is sigbaar in die alledaagse SuidAfrikaanse samelewing. So het die nielewering van noodsaaklike dienste soos water, vullisverwydering en kragvoorsiening reeds gelei tot die totstandkoming van ʼn alternatiewe energiebedryf (sonwaterverhitters, windturbines,

Die Akademia Sakeplankompetisie self gee dan ook wesenlik “voete” aan hierdie ideaal, deur aan beide bestaande, sowel as aan nuwe sakelui die geleentheid te gee om hul bestaande of nuwe besighede weer aan die hand van hul sakeplan te evalueer. Opleiding en opskerping deur twee werkswinkels en verskeie gratis besigheidsmentorsessies wys die erns waarmee ons die volhoubare ontwikkeling en groei van klein- en mediumbesighede in Suid-Afrika bejeën.

Deelnemers aan die kompetisie staan boonop die kans om pryse ter waarde van meer as R1,2 miljoen in prysgeld, mentorskap, bemarkingshulp en meer te wen.

Inskrywings open op 31 Maart en sluit op 15 Julie, en kan aanlyn gedoen word op die Akademia Sakeplankompetisie se webblad by www.sakeplankompetisie.co.za.

Akademia en vennote soos die Atterbury Groep, Investec Batebestuur, eNuus, Groot FM, Radio Tygerberg en verskeie sakekamers nooi jou uit om ʼn verskil aan jou en jou besigheid se volhoubare toekoms te maak – so, kom maak jou plan!

a k a d e m i a Sakeplankompetisie

31 MAART - SAKE-ONTBYT (KAAP) 21 APRIL - WERKSWINKEL 1 11 JUNIE - WERKSWINKEL 2 15 JULIE - KOMPETISIE SLUIT 7 OKTOBER - GALA AAND

www.sakeplankompetisie.co.za

THE NEWSPAPER

LIFESTYLE

FRANSCHHOEK

PAGE 11

DECOREX CAPE TOWN

WEDDING SHOWCASE

A SHOWCASE OF DÉCOR & LIFESTYLE TRENDS

Franschhoek is the perfect setting to celebrate the most memorable day of your life. Exquisite views, world class venues, fine dining and award-winning wines complete the package for this special day. A sneak peek of what you can expect will be on offer at the inaugural Franschhoek Wedding Showcase on 18 April 2015.

The perfect showcase for all romantics at heart to make their dreams a reality.

In line with its firmly entrenched reputation as South Africa’s premier décor and design exhibition, Decorex Cape Town from 24-27 April 2015 taking place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, looks set to once again offer a creative showcase of the very latest in décor and lifestyle trends.

Themed, “The Home of Great Ideas,” this year’s show promises visitors a wealth of inspiration in everything from fabrics, furnishings and décor accessories to bold new innovations in kitchens, bathrooms and home DIY. There is also an exciting line-up of unique Decorex features that are a platform for some of the city’s leading designers to inspire with the latest trends: Always ahead of the curve when it comes to the latest paint trends and how they reflect our changing lifestyle, Plascon’s 2015 Colour Palette will once again be launched to the Cape Town market at Decorex Cape Town. The paint giant, which is co-headline sponsor of Decorex SA with Caesarstone, will provide invaluable insight into the hottest hues and coolest combos that lie ahead, plus ideas for using funky new paint techniques that are making a big splash in 2015.

Caesarstone, South Africa’s leading manufacturer and supplier of engineered stone surfaces, will be showcasing the latest in kitchen surface design and technology.

Val de Vie Estate - Photo Credit: Agapé Studio

A trip to the Franschhoek Winelands over this weekend will get your creative juices flowing as well as add hype and excitement in preparation for your ‘Big Day’. A selection of wedding suppliers will be pulling out all the stops, and include venues, dresses, cakes, stationary, music, DJ’s, photographers, wineries and so much more. An added attraction to the event will be the launch of Franschhoek’s Online wedding registry. This allows the bride and groom to select wedding gifts from Franschhoek specialist shops and wineries.

To allow for a unique showcase a centralised venue will be set up at Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa. Not only is Franschhoek the most romantic wedding destination, but it is also the perfect weekend getaway. Use this weekend to relax and unwind, and possibly arrange to visit Franschhoek wine farms and other properties who specialise in weddings (by appointment only).

The Private Property Trend House, sponsored by the country’s definitive online property resource, and dressed by three of Cape Town’s top designers is set to be a showstopper.

This year’s Decorex Designer Spotlight showcase features Woodstock based designer Sarah Ord, who will put her trademark quirky-eclectic, colour-saturated design style to work in a vivacious installation decorated in the very latest products from the stylish Home Fabrics range of materials and wallpapers.

2015’s biggest kitchen trends, not to mention the very latest state-of-the-art products and appliances, will be on show in the Franke Make it Wonderful Kitchen Design Project, sponsored by one of the world’s leading kitchen-systems suppliers.

Here, Cape Town’s top kitchen designers will create four very unique kitchens, giving practical application to new directions in ergonomics, greening, space efficiency and more.

For more information contact 021 876 2861

FASHION MEETS ART IN ‘MY AFRICA’

A mix of vibrant colours, patterns and floral prints define the theme of ‘My Africa’ from luxury womenswear brand, Vanessa G London, which is set to make a bold style statement with its SS15 Collection next season.

Bringing in an innovative technique of fabric layering to create the illusion of depth across each print, the Collection is as striking as it is beautiful.

It conveys a touch of soft femininity and luxury tailoring in flattering day and evening wear, reflecting ‘pieces of art’ full of life and colour.

In ‘My Africa’, each individual piece is inspired by the colour and beauty of the African continent. The collection consists of contemporary dresses and suits, skirts, tops and jackets as well as flowing kaftans and accessories.

However, it is the ‘art’ woven in to the print and patterns that is at the centre of the brand’s philosophy which is symbolic of the Vanessa G label.

Making its debut is the classic Vanessa G Trench, beautifully tailored in luxurious illusion fabric with the Vanessa G trademark of hand-painted buttons and buckles.

Featured in no less than 10 styles from the eye-catching Safari tailored trench dress to the striking butterfly print of the Organza classic short trench, the signature of this Spring/Summer range, Vanessa G London SS15 is one of the most anticipated collections of the season.

Fine raw silks symbolise sophistication and luxury, day and evening wear appear in striking orange, while chic safari ensembles, jackets and coats complete the collection.

It also encompasses the timeless black outfits and exquisitely tailored white creations, staples of every woman’s wardrobe. Anticipated Collection yet from its founder, Vanessa Gounden.

Completing the look, intricate baroque detailing and embroidery are crafted onto selected pieces while the finest cut beads and Swarovski crystal elements reflect bold statements and an element of sheer luxury. Classic necklines frame the face emulating exclusivity and style.

The vibrancy continues into the accessories collection with handbags and shoes, designed with natural stone pieces, alike canvases, brought to life with subtle paint techniques. Each garment and accessory is a handcrafted, symbolic piece of art awaiting the stylish, discerning woman.

Photo Credit: Plascon at Decorex Cape Town 2014

100% Black at Decorex Cape Town will be a curated collection of the finest design in this season’s most important colour – put together by 100% Design South Africa’s Programmes Director Cathy O’Clery. In selecting contemporary design pieces void of colour, O’Clery says she’ll be focusing on how good form, shape, line and structure play an integral part in the design thinking and creative process.

The most intimate and personal of all the rooms in the home is given romantic reinvention in the Beautiful Boudoirs feature, where three of Cape Town’s leading female decorators will apply a light, feminine touch to produce a trio of the most impossibly dreamy sanctuaries for slumber, ever.

As an incubator for emerging creative talent, Decorex SA is committed to corporate social investment and, this year, joins forces with Inscape Education Group, South Africa’s oldest, privately owned multi-disciplinary creative institution, to present the Spotlight on Talent showcase.

Three of Inscape’s most promising third-year students will be given the opportunity to showcase their stand-out design talents, with the Decorex Cape Town platform giving them the opportunity to gauge the market-suitability of their products.

Combining the love of all things handmade with the joy of making your own, Craft & Create will be the ultimate marketplace for artisans, crafters and smaller local exhibitors.

Visitors will be treated to wide choice of limited-edition pieces, thrifty finds and wise buys and, because traders are drawn predominantly from Cape Town and its surrounds, Craft & Create will be a truly local affair.

For more information email decorexsa@ThebeReed.co.za visit www.decorex.co.za

PAGE 12

THE NEWSPAPER

WINE

First Pinotage Lounge

Western Cape Wine Estates

at L’Avenir

Win Prestigious Global Awards

L’Avenir, the French inspired Stellenbosch wine estate, celebrates the opening of South Africa’s first lounge dedicated exclusively to the emblematic varietal, Pinotage, located in the heart of the functioning cellar on the estate.

Western Cape establishments have scooped top honours at a global wine tourism awards competition. Drinks International, a leading wines and beers journal, announced the winners of its annual Wine Tourism Awards.

Alan Winde, Minister of Economic Opportunities, congratulated Val Du Charron, La Motte, Spier Wine Farm and Stellenbosch Wine Routes for their achievements at the awards.

The winners include: Most innovative tourism experience (Val Du Charron Wines, Wellington), Best educational experience (La Motte, Franschhoek), Best wine event (Spier Wine Farm, Stellenbosch), and Best promotional body (Stellenbosch Wine Routes).

La Motte was “highly commended” for its visitor centre, while Stellenbosch Wine Routes received the same commendation in the Best Digital and Social Media category. The Spier estate’s secret courtyard was a winning concept, providing a space for guests to socialise, while the judges applaud Val Du Charron Wines for transforming its cellar into a theatre during winter, with actors educating and entertaining visitors.

Minister Winde said the establishments had beat out strong competition from entrants in the United Kingdom, Argentina, Chile, Greece, Italy and Portugal to win the awards in their categories.

Proudly South African with a touch of French Flair, the L’Avenir Pinotage Lounge invites enthusiasts of the varietal to experience exclusive tastings & purchases of rare older vintages dating back to the 1970’s hosted by the winemaker, Dirk Coetzee.

The official launch of the lounge began with tastings of the latest vintage of L’Avenir’s Single Block Pinotage 2013 out of barrel, the latest vintage under Dirk Coetzee; moving to the current release Single Block 2012 & ending with a selection of previous winemaker, Francois Naude’s favourite rare vintages.

Francois Naude, winemaker at L’Avenir for 13 years from 1992 until 2005, is recognized as one of the original pioneers of Pinotage in South Africa and relished the opportunity to share his experience with the uniquely South African varietal.

L’Avenir Single Block Pinotage is made from a selected parcel of cultivated bush vines from what is known as Block 2 on the farm. This block is made up of vines ranging in age from 15 – 30 yeas old and has consistently produced exceptional quality fruit which, up until 2012, had been used in red blends. In 2012, it was decided to bottle the block as a single varietal, vinified to showcase the finest traits of the varietal.

Pinotage, a blend of the notoriously fickle Pinot Noir grape and the hardier Hermitage (commonly known as Cinsault), has been cultivated exclusively in South Africa since the early 1940’s & is recognized for it’s red fruit characteristics often showing notes of chocolate & tobacco with soft tannins on the palate.

The L’Avenir Pinotage Lounge is open during tasting room operating hours and bookings are essential.

For more information contact Hantie Smit at 083 627 5551

Holden Manz

China Wine & Spirits Awards The love and passion the Holden Manz family and the team have for winemaking has become evident with high praise been given by the China Wine & Spirits Awards held recently.

Wines from all over the world took part in this prestigious competition and with some tough competition Holden Manz are proud to announce that their Visionaire and Vernissage came out tops!

The Vernissage, which is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Shiraz is an easy drinking 5 o’clock wine, straight after work, with friends, and it stands up just as well when paired with great meaty dishes. This well-priced gem of a wine (R65 a 750ml bottle at the cellar door) was awarded

by CWSA a gold medal and is regarded a firm favourite!

Its older, slightly more complex brother, Visionaire, which is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec and a splash of Shiraz for some spice in true sibling rivalry, has scooped up a double gold at the awards and has truly done the Holden Manz family proud!

If you haven’t tried the Holden Manz wines, visit the estate on the Green Valley Road, Franschhoek for a wine tasting experience.

The Holden Manz website provides a great online sales portal which allows you to have your wine shipped anywhere in the world!

For more information visit www.holdenmanz.com

He said the awards would offer a boost for the Western Cape’s wine tourism sector.

“In 2013, wine tourism generated R6 billion nationally. The industry is an important economic driver in the province. Of the 289 151 jobs in the national wine industry, 167 494 are in the Western Cape.

“Of all the wine tourists visiting the Western Cape, 43% went to the Cape Winelands. These awards show why the region is so popular with visitors.

This is excellent promotion for our region’s wineries and will encourage more international visitors to explore our award-wining wine estates,” said Minister Winde.

Wine route voted Best Promotional Body South Africa’s oldest wine route, the Stellenbosch American Express® Wine Routes, was voted the Best Promotional Body at the Wine Tourism Awards 2015 of the authoritative Drinks International magazine, one of the most trusted and respected global drinks journals, for the second consecutive year.

When visiting this ‘Forever Young’ town one soon discovers that it is worth far more than just a day trip to indulge in world-class wines.

As the country’s Gourmet and Wine Capital it boasts four of the 2014 Eat Out Top Ten Restaurants – with all four of them based on wine farms. They are The Restaurant at Jordan; Overture nestled at Hidden Valley; Rust en Vrede Restaurant, and Terroir at Kleine Zalze.

Besides excellent restaurants, a plethora of accommodation offerings ranging from budget-friendly to top end luxury, a vibrant street café culture and world-class art, the quaint town of Stellenbosch is also fuelled with a rich cultural mix.

2015 highlights on the Stellenbosch Experience’s programme include an all new Winelands Chocolate Festival from 5-7 June as well as the hosting of top international media and social media influencers to share their Stellenbosch experiences with the world.

Kleine Zalze - Number One South African Brand in the UK “On Trade” Wine Business Solutions, expert consultants to wineries around the world, have named Stellenbosch wine producer, Kleine Zalze from Stellenbosch as the number one South African “On-Premise” wine brand in the UK. The “Wine On-Premise UK 2014” report is the most comprehensive investigation ever conducted into On-Premise distribution (Restaurants, Hotels and Pubs) in the UK, considering factors such as; who the best distributors are, what the most listed wine brands are, and the performance of supplier countries.

The report also ranks the top 30 on-premise wine brands irrespective of their country of origin, and it is here where Kleine Zalze is listed as the most distributed South African wine brand and 13th most distributed overall.

Kobus Basson, Managing Director of Kleine Zalze wines is delighted to be again in the number one spot, underlining a consistently strong performance for well over 10 years. “To be in this position again is due to the dedication and excellent teamwork of all involved”.

He also acknowledges the hard work of the

Alastair Rimmer (Kleine Zalze Cellarmaster) & Kobus Basson (Kleine Zalze proprietor)

Kleine Zalze team as well as the teams of UK importers Hatch Mansfield and the distributors Matthew Clark: “Quite simply we could not have achieved this without the Matthew Clark sales and marketing teams, and the back-up that the Hatch Mansfield team provides.”

“Their support has been immense and together we are proud to be able to deliver our wines to all corners of the UK On Trade.”

THE NEWSPAPER

TRAVEL

New Horseback Adventure Safaris for Mossel Bay

Mossel Bay’s Botlierskop Private Game Reserve has launched its newest product, Equine Adventure Safaris for experienced riders.

PAGE 13

In A Different Class Towards the end of the 1990s an airline customer focus group told British Airways that they’d be prepared to pay more for a larger economy seat with a bit more legroom. Their timing couldn’t have been better.

British Airways had announced its new Club World cabin in 1999 and its flat beds, introduced the next year, revolutionised business class flying. New Club World set the business class bar so high that there was room to introduce a fourth cabin, without the risk of business class customers downgrading.

The airline implemented the suggestion and in 2000 launched a fourth, separate, cabin. Described as a premium economy cabin, World Traveller Plus fitted neatly between the World Traveller economy cabin and Club World.

The announcement didn’t grab the headlines the way Club World had a year earlier. World Traveller Plus came with wider, more comfortable seats, in-seat power for laptops and more legroom. Unlike the launch of the first beds in business class it wasn’t revolutionary, but it did what it said on the tin.

Photo Credit: Botlierskop Private Game Reserve

General Manager Francina Terblanche said that the Reserve has always offered 1-, 2-, or 3-hour excursions for novices as well as 3- to 4-hour outrides for advanced riders, but that the Equine Adventure Safaris will include at least two night’s accommodation in the Reserve’s Manor House or Luxury Tented Suites, together with at least two outrides complete with breakfast or dinner in the bush.

Despite living in the shadow of its sexy, more sophisticated sister, practical, dependable World Traveller Plus started gaining admirers. The increased comfort was an obvious benefit, but the additional space was an important consideration for business people who wanted to haul out a laptop and do some work.

“Riding on horseback is one of the best ways of seeing wild game in its natural surroundings - and we have a number of trails on our 3,500 hectare Reserve which allow us to get close to species like rhino, giraffe, zebra and blue wildebeest. Our horse trails traverse the natural fynbos, thick bush and mountainous terrain - with breathtaking scenery, caves, cliffs, and waterfalls and rivers to explore.”

Equine manager Eben Karsten said that the Reserve breeds Cape riding horses - a type created by crossing the South African boerperd with the Nooitgedachter for these outrides and for farm work. “Our horses are strong, fit, and comfortable, and we’ve chosen them individually by carefully watching their performance in cross country trail-riding. The horses used for beginners are controlled, calm and relaxed,” he said.

“If you’ve never done any riding before, you should probably start with a 1- or 2-hour safari - but you’ll want to join an out ride if you’re an experienced rider who’s able to walk, trot and canter your own horse in open spaces with complete control and authority.” Mr. Karsten continued that the training methods and riding discipline used at Botlierskop are steeped in the history and traditions of South Africa’s working horses. Mossel Bay Tourism’s Marcia Holm congratulated Botlierskop on the introduction of its Equine Adventure Safaris. “We expect that Botlierskop’s Equine Adventure Safaris will quickly become an important niche attraction for Mossel Bay.” For more information visit www.visitmosselbay.co.za

World Travel Market Africa 2015

Yet, despite the severe headwinds the airline industry would face over the following 14 years, World Traveller Plus has endured.

On African routes it appeals particularly to businesses with limited international travel budgets and entrepreneurs testing overseas markets.

The premium economy offering has also proved popular with a section of the leisure travel market. These are people on so-called SKIing, or Spend the Kids Inheritance, holidays. They’re older couples, whose children have left home and are using their retirement to see some of the world. They’d rather spend their money on their holiday than a Club World seat, but want a bit more comfort when they fly.

The new seats recline a bit further and there’s a much larger video touch-screen.

Two USB and an RCA port mean personal devices can be connected to the in-flightentertainment system.

The on-board service has also been enhanced. A new menu, includes two choices off the Club World menu. For customers travelling on business needing to lug an extra suit or two, it also offers an additional baggage allowance.

Cape Getaway Show The 2015 Cape Getaway Show took place on the picturesque Lourensford Wine Estate in Somerset West from 13-15 March 2015.

WTM Africa 2015 will take place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from 15-17 April. After the success of the last year’s inaugural event, WTM Africa 2015 has been expanded by one day and will take place over three days.

Over 200 interactive travel, outdoor and adventure exhibits showcased over 200 interactive exhibits which included destinations, accommodation, outdoor gear, 4×4 products and accessories, motor homes, caravans and trailers, camping equipment and adventure operators.

The second World Travel Market (WTM) Africa is one of three events that make up Reed Travel Exhibition’s Africa Travel Week, with IBTM Africa and ILTM Africa taking place from 13-15 April 2015.

WTM Portfolio is to host a responsible awards ceremony at its WTM Africa event, following the long-running success of The World Responsible Tourism Awards at WTM. The World Responsible Tourism Awards at WTM will be held on the Wednesday of World Travel Market as part of the World Responsible Tourism Day, the largest day of responsible tourism action in the world, for the past 12 years.

WESGRO - the tourism, trade and investment promotion agency for the Western Cape is the main sponsor for the 2015 African Responsible Tourism Awards.

The events programme will also be expanded to include the International Conference on Responsible Tourism in Destinations.

WTM Africa 2015 has signed up a number of new exhibitors from across the continent to cement its position as the event which promotes Africa to the world and brings the world to Africa. New exhibitors from across the region include: Boogie Pilgrim (an inbound tour operator based in Madagascar), Cresta Hotels (promoting Safari Resorts in Botswana and Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe), Gosheni Safari & Travels (Tanzania-based safari specialist), Namibia Travel Connection (offering packages across Southern Africa) and Sea Cliff Resort & Spa Zanzibar.

In addition to the extra day, WTM Africa 2015 will also be bigger, with the exhibition floor increased by a massive 50%. Last year, exhibitors secured business worth $314 million (£189 million) as a result of attending WTM Africa.

Incredible, show-stopping specials and exciting competitions left visitors with bags full of goodies and inspirational ideas for their next adventure. Other activities included a kid’s play area, beer and wine tents, Travel and Taste Theatre, Food Trucks and live music.

PAGE 14

SPORT EVENT

THE NEWSPAPER

THE NEWSPAPER

SPORT

Cape Town to Host Second Annual World Triathlon Series Cape Town is due to host its second World Triathlon Series (WTS) event on 25-26 April this year – one of ten cities in which the global series takes place - when locals can either watch elite athletes from 80 countries compete with Table Mountain as the backdrop or participate themselves.

PAGE 15

Meet the woman of pure ‘Steyn’less steel There aren’t many 49-year-old women in South Africa, and in fact the world, who have clocked up over 500 000 km on a bicycle. Yet, South Africa’s very own woman of steel, Hannele Steyn recently achieved this massive feat when she completed the third annual Trans Hajar Mountain Bike race in Oman.

Says Bruce Parker-Forsyth, CEO of WORLDSPORT, delivery partner of this major event to Cape Town: “An exciting element to the Discovery World Triathlon Cape Town is that ordinary athletes can compete on the same ‘stage’ and race route as top international athletes and be part of a world event.”

“More than 10% of foreign tourists come to South Africa to watch or participate in sport events, with spectators accounting for 60% to 80% of these arrivals.”

Steyn, who is a former South African mountain biking champion and provincial and Springbok colour holder in five sport disciplines including triathlon, biathlon, duathlon, road biking and mountain biking, crossed the finish line in third place after a gruelling 400 km route that led her through some of Oman’s most spectacular and rugged landscapes.

“Cape Town is a sports lover's paradise with an exquisite natural terrain and a strong industry making it the go-to place for top annual events. Our city also offers world-class venues and supporting infrastructure, and South Africans' passion for sport combine to make Cape Town a huge draw card for World Triathlon Series fans.”

Participants have the option to enter either the Sprint or Olympic distance and para-triathletes (PT2-PT5) can enter the Sprint event. Team relays for both distances are also on the schedule. The Sprint distance includes a 500m swim, a 20km cycle and a 5km run. The Olympic distance includes a 1 500m swim, a 40km cycle and a 10km run. The minimum age for the Olympic individual is 18 and for teams, 16. Schools are also welcome to enter teams in this special category. The event will start with a swim taking place in the V&A Waterfront’s Quay 6. In addition to the competitions, athletes will be treated to a weekend full of festivities.

Register Online at www.capetown.triathlon.org

White card makes a difference in foul play Almost half of the White Card referrals in this year’s FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International matches have been successful, and the initiative is making an impressive impact in overturning foul play.

to the use of technology. The White Card, which was first used during the inaugural season in 2008, made a comeback this year and is endorsed by the South African Rugby Union (SARU), Andre Watson, SARU General Manager Referees.

White Cards, which allow teams to challenge the referee during a break in play if they feel a wrong call has been made, can be used twice in a match by each team, once in each half.

The success rate thus far has been 41.18 percent.

One downside of the White Card is the time it takes out of the game, which can disrupt the flow of the game, but it’s something that will get better the more the system is used.

Of the successful White Cards used so far in the FNB Varsity Cup, 57% have overturned a foul play decision, meaning that dangerous and early tackles are being clamped down thanks

Photo Credit: Liam Hamer-Nel/alliancephoto.com

The average time its taken this season for a referral to be made is a minute and 57 seconds for White Card decisions, compared to the one minute 29 seconds for referee referrals.

It is, however, important to consider the nature of decisions being referred - with a large number relating to foul play, it’s natural that these decisions will take longer.

The FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International is in its eighth year after a highly successful inaugural competition in 2008.

It is already a highlight on the rugby-mad South African’s sporting calendar.

This inter-university rugby competition sees eight of the country’s top universities go head-to-head to take home the title (and a substantial cash reward).

The eight teams play in a single round, followed by a semi-final and a final that determines the FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International Champion.

Action-packed IMPI Challenge 2015 The IMPI Challenge will take place at the majestic Lievland Wine Estate and Wiesenhof Legacy Park in Stellenbosch from 11-12 April 2015.

“We are super excited for the new year,” says Pieter Du Plessis, IMPI Challenge Race Director. “The IMPI Challenge is about challenging yourself, challenging your friends and having a great adventure through an obstacle trail run. A number of exciting course changes have been planned for both the Gauteng and Cape Town events. Entrants can expect a thrilling experience that will test endurance and agility, while pitting them against their worst fears such as heights, confined and/or dark spaces to mention just a few”.

There are five entry categories to choose from when entering the IMPI Challenge. Each category caters for various fitness levels – from elite sports persons, professional and beginner runners to sporty families and lovers of the outdoors.

A huge highlight of the IMPI Challenge, IMPI's are given free rein on creativity. The best dressed IMPI and/or team stand the chance to win awesome prizes compliments of the sponsors.

Hannele Steyn

But this race is just one of many that Steyn, a self-confessed adventure junkie has completed over the years. She is the only woman in the world to have completed all 11 Cape Epic mountain bike challenges and won it in 2005 and she secured sponsorship from Zurreal for her 12th Cape Epic 2015. Steyn has also finished and won many other national and international competitions, including the Drifter series, the Knysna Oyster Race, Sani2C, the Transalps in Europe and La Ruta in South Americas, among many others.

Last year, Steyn crossed the finish line of the Trans Afrika mountain bike challenge in first place along with fellow competitor, Dan Hayman. The Trans Afrika is arguably one of the toughest and longest, unsupported non-stage cycle races on the South African mountain biking calendar.

According to Steyn, in order to prepare her body for these long rides, she trains for up to four hours on weekdays and over five hours on weekends, burning on average about 12 000 calories a week.

IMPI Challenge - Photo Credit: Cherie Vale NEWSPORT MEDIA

A spectator friendly event, look out for the marked spectator route covering the most exciting obstacles. Family and friends are invited to show support and cheer on the day. The Festival Village will be a hub of excitement with entertainment, good food and a great vibe.

For more visit www.impichallenge.co.za

She hopes that these unbelievable feats of human endurance will inspire other women to take up mountain biking, which is one of the fastest growing sports in the world. “I want to be a role model to women in South Africa and encourage more women to get involved in mountain biking,” she says.

SPORTS NEWS

FREE COPY AVAILABLE AT

For the dedicated fans

April 2015

Tel: 021 855 2900

www.thenewspaper.co.za

Free Copy

Find The Newspaper at PNA stores throughout the Western Cape

PLAYERS' FUND COMMEMORATES 35 YEARS The Chris Burger Fund was formed in 1980 by current chairman Morné du Plessis and his fellow Western Province rugby mates, after the devastating and fatal injury of fullback Chris Burger during a Currie Cup rugby match.

A similar fate bestowed another rugby player named Petro Jackson in 1987 and a second charitable organisation called the Petro Jackson Memorial Fund was formed that year. In 1992 the two organisations were amalgamated and called the Chris Burger Petro Jackson Players' Fund as it is still known as today.

The Fund currently supports 107 fallen heroes of rugby, players who have sustained catastrophic head, neck or spinal cord injuries whilst on the rugby field.

To commemorate this poignant milestone, the Players’ Fund hosted a novel 35th Anniversary Commemorative Event in association with Thorburn and the DHL Stormers at the Springbok Experience Rugby Museum at the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town.

The highlights were enjoying the evening in the company of the entire DHL Stormers Squad, five of the Funds’ wheelie friends, namely Delvian Samuels, Charles Oppelt, Henry Afrikaner and JP Lugt, Fund trustees namely Morné du Plessis, Jowa Abrahams, Neil Strybis, Tiaan Strauss, Anton Engelbrecht, FC Smit and Joel Krige.

Scarra Ntubeni & Guests from the Volunteer Wild Fire Services

Eight fire-fighters from the Volunteer Wild Fire Services were invited to join in as VIP guests, following their harrowing battle of the Cape Peninsula Mountain fires during the month of March.

The very professional and capable MC Matthew Pearce provided the golden thread which pulled the whole evening together.

Guests and sponsors (all teamed up in “tight 5’s”) had a ball, enjoying the very interesting tour of the museum which was ably “caddied” by Andy Colquhoun and his team from the Springbok Museum, followed by a hotly contested eye hand coordination skills game, which with no surprises was won by Juan de Jongh. A fun interactive rugby knowledge quiz hosted by Profans, really saw the competitiveness of all the guests emerging.

The guest speaker Professor Tim Noakes put the cherry on the top and held guests spellbound when he mapped the Funds’ journey over 35 years pointing out in their history all the important decisions that were made along the way, all which helped to shape and mould the Fund into what it is today.

Overall the event was a great success and a fitting commemoration of the hard work of the Fund over the last 35 years and a great opportunity to thank loyal corporates and sponsors for their support.

SARU CONFIRMS INTEREST IN BIDDING FOR RWC 2023 The South African Rugby Union (SARU) confirmed its interest in bidding for the 2023 Rugby World Cup, following the announcement of the tender process by World Rugby. Jurie Roux, CEO of SARU, reaffirmed the union’s commitment to bring the tournament back to South Africa, on the proviso of the approval of SASCOC – SA’s national Olympic Committee – and support of national government.

“We definitely expect to be bidding to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup – as we have for the past three tournaments,” said Roux.

“By the time the tournament comes round it will be 28 years since Nelson Mandela handed the trophy to Francois Pienaar and I believe that South Africa is hungry to once again host rugby’s greatest occasion.”

“The 1995 Rugby World Cup and the 2010 FIFA World Cup were magnificent occasions for our nation and for the respective sports and the prospect of being able to repeat those unforgettable occasions is very exciting.”

“Bidding will mean a lot of hard work and I am sure the competition will be fierce, but this country has a unique experience to offer the game’s travelling supporters.”

World Rugby announced the key dates for bidding would be: 14 May 2015 (Window opens for unions to submit Expressions of Interest), 15 June 2015 (Expression of Interest period ends), May 2016 (Tender documentation released), June 2016 (Deadline for confirmation of intention to tender), and May 2017 (Announcement of 2023 Rugby World Cup host).

World Rugby Chairman Bernard Lapasset said: "Rugby World Cup is one of the world’s most recognisable and popular major sports events.

With a six-week global shop window, upwards of 500,000 international visitors, multiple sporting, social and tourism benefits, economic benefits of up to £2 billion (R36bn) and minimal infrastructure overlay, it is also an attractive event for potential hosts.